subject: Snag Weekend Beach Vacations To Virginia And Research On Familiar Beaches And Festivals In Europe [print this page] Explore Charming Lisbon on European Vacations
The city of Lisbon is a popular destination for people traveling on European vacations. Compared to other capital cities, Lisbon in Portugal is very small yet truly charming and beautiful. The shores of this port city are lined with mosaic-accented sidewalks, cobblestone streets, rolling hills and pastel-themed houses. The Art Nouveau cafes are a great place to relax, and the ride on an antique wooden streetcar offers a soothing experience. You can also ride a 1902 street elevator, the Elevator de Santa Justa, from Baixa up the steep Barrio Alto, where you can get breathtaking views of the city. Continue your path to spectacular scenes by traveling to the viewing platform at the Padro dos Descobrimentos, an awesome 179-foot monument that marks the Age of Discoveries. After visiting the museum inside, head to the Belm Tower -- a four-storey, 100-foot 16th century tower built from lioz limestone, which played a considerable role in the Portuguese maritime achievements of that time.
Admire the Beauty of Rome on European Vacations
Rome has many beautiful churches that could make your European vacations more memorable and meaningful. Visit the five patriarchal basilicas in the city, each one ceremonially assigned to one of the patriarchs. San Giovanni in Laterano, for St. John Lateran, the Pope, is the popes first church. This Baroque-style church is Rome's cathedral. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, for St. Mary Major, the Patriarch of Antioch, has exquisite 5th century biblical mosaics, marble floors, spectacular ceilings and a bell tower. San Pietro in Vaticano, for St. Peter's Basilica, the Patriarch of Constantinople, is in the Vatican City. It is the current church of the pope, and one of the largest and most important Catholic churches in the world. Inside the large interior, you can see a lot of marble, bronze, and gold artwork, not the least of which is Michelangelo's Pieta. It is said that the Apostle Paul is buried in Rome's second largest church -- San Paolo fuori le Mura, for St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Patriarch of Alexandria.
European Vacations to Ancient Greece
Take a trip back to the old times by including a tour to ancient Greece on your European vacations. In the center of Athens, on your way to the Acropolis, watch out for the Hadrians Arch, a structure spanning an ancient road leading to the complex of structures on the citys east side. The Temple of Olympian Zeus once stood on this development, built to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian when he arrived at the city for his many significant contributions to Athens. From Athens, you can drive through the fertile plains of Boeotia and arrive at Delphi. It is the center of the ancient world, found on the slopes of the majestic Mount Parnassus. Here you will be able to view the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Temple of Apollo. Take a peek into the Treasury of the Athenians and imagine the bountiful wealth of that time. Don't forget to stop by the museum where you can admire ancient Greek masterpieces including the world famous bronze Charioteer.
See Lovely Edinburgh on European Vacations
Edinburgh, capital of Scotland since the 15th century, is a must-see when going on European vacations. The city has two main segments: the medieval fortress of Old Town and the neoclassical New Town which has had strong influences on European urban planning since the 18th century. Medieval Old Town is located on a ridge stretching from the Castle to the Palace of Holyrood. Here you will see houses of merchants and nobles during the 16th and 17th centuries, unique tenements, and early public buildings including St. Giles Cathedral and Canongate Tolbooth. To the north of the Old Town are seven new towns built from 1767 to 1890 that comprise what is now known as the Georgian New Town. Integrated with neoclassical buildings are gardens that take advantage of the areas topography. In the Age of Enlightenment it was a major center of thought and learning, and today continues its cultural and political links with mainland Europe. This unique blend of old and new has earned for Edinburgh the distinction of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
